This medication is used to treat fungal infections of
the fingernails and toenails. It is used as part of a treatment program
that may include the removal of unattached, infected nails by a health care
professional. Ciclopirox works by stopping the growth of
fungus.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using ciclopirox and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Before starting treatment, remove any loose nail
material using nail clippers or a file. If you have diabetes or numbness in
your fingers/toes, talk to your doctor before filing or trimming your
nails. It may be safer for your doctor to file or remove your
nails.
Use this medication on the nails and skin next to the
nails only. Apply ciclopirox as directed by your doctor, usually once daily
at bedtime. Using the applicator provided, apply this medication evenly
over the entire affected nail and to the area of the skin next to the nail
(5 millimeters or 1/5 of an inch around the nail). If the applicator can
reach the undersurface of the nail and the skin under the nail, apply the
medication to those areas as well. Avoid contact with skin that is not
right next to the affected nail. Do not use nail cosmetic products (such as
nail polish) on the treated nails.
Do not apply the medication in the eyes, nose, or mouth,
or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, rinse
with plenty of water.
Let the medication dry (around 30 seconds) before
putting on socks or stockings. Do not wash the treated area for at least 8
hours.
Every 7 days, remove the medication from the nail by
applying alcohol. Then trim the nail and file away any loose nail
material.
Since this product is flammable, do not use this product
near heat or open flame.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each
day.
Continue to use this medication for the full time
prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping the medication too early
may result in a return of the infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse or if it
does not get better after 6 months of treatment. It may take up to one year
for the nail to be clear or almost clear.
Redness/burning of treated skin or changes in
shape/color of nail may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- blistering/swelling/oozing at the application site
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using ciclopirox, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- diabetes
- numbness in fingers/toes (such as diabetic neuropathy)
Before having surgery, tell your doctors or dentist
about all the products you use (including prescription drugs,
nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your
doctor tells you to.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light, heat, or open
flame. Keep the medication in the original carton to protect from light.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.